India must change health priorities to tackle HIV

India could have between 20 million and 25 million people infected with HIV by 2010, the highest number for a single country, says an unclassified US intelligence report. It has also identified China, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Russia as other countries set to experience the “next wave” of the HIV epidemic.

The report from the US National Intelligence Council said it would be difficult for any of the five countries to limit the growing epidemic by 2010 without major shifts in priorities. In all five countries, the report said, risky sexual practices are driving infection rates upward, health services are inadequate, and the cost of education and treatment would be overwhelming.